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Morality represents your ethical values, as well as your overall sanity. While there are many potential systems of Morality one could follow, almost all characters begin with Humanity. Your Morality score has the following effects.

Your Morality rating determines when you need to make Degeneration checks.

Your Morality rating determines the Experience Point cost to "buy off" a Derangement.

Many Powers and effects target Morality.

Degeneration Checks: Whenever you act contrary to your ethics (per your Morality score), you must roll Conviction (typically Difficulty 6-8). If you fail, either your Morality drops by 1, or you gain a Derangement, as appropriate. (A botch results in both, or two Derangements at the discretion of the GM.) If you consistently act contrary to your ethics, the GM may rule that you forfeit a point of Morality without a Conviction roll.

If your Morality drops to 0, you bounce back to a rating of 1 and gain a Derangement. Some Flaws and Templates cause more frequent Degeneration checks, and will cause you to forfeit your character should you reach 0 Morality.

Most Derangements can be "bought off" at a cost of (11 - Morality) XP.

Changing Ethics: You may select a new ethical system during any downtime. You begin your new Morality score at 1. Obviously, this will leave you dangerously vulnerable while you gain resolve in your new ethics.

Increasing Morality: Morality can only be increased through roleplay. To increase your Morality, you must actively follow the new, higher Morality, and must post a special journal documenting this (separate from Journal Entries and Downtime Reports, and not eligible for XP). You may post one such journal per game month. If it is approved by the GM, you may roll Conviction + Morality (Difficulty: 6-10). You need a number of successes equal to the new rating (thus, 6 successes to achieve Morality 6). This may be made as an extended roll, with successes accumulating over time, as long as you qualify for a roll every month.

Paths of Morality: The following are ethical paths often pursued by High Rollers. You may create your own with GM approval.

Humanity is a system of Morality representing the standard Western value system. It is the most common system of Morality. If you do not specify, your character begins with Humanity.

The following table gives examples of acts that trigger Morality checks for characters with Humanity. For example, a character with a Humanity of 7 would be required to make a Conviction check on committing any theft, mass property damage, manslaughter, or murder. This is not comprehensive by any means.

Your existence is defined by your dogged persuit and opposition of all of humanity. It is your personal purpose to seek out and destroy the human blight in all of its forms. The idea of living in a human social structure and using technology disgusts you. Were humans ever destroyed completely, you may find yourself directionless and confused.

Anti-Human is a very restrictive path of enlightenment, and merely being a human limits your rating in Anti-Human to six.

For some, bodyguarding is a job. But there are others who are on an entirely different level, no more comparable to a wage-earner than a commando is to a minimum-wage security guard.

To such as you, bodyguarding is your life.

Bodyguard

Action

10

Passing up an advantage

9

Allowing your effectiveness to be impaired

8

Helplessness

7

Permanent injury to yourself or your ward

6

Negligence; failing to maintain discipline or professionalism or to perform duties

5

Rape, torture

4

Death of your ward

3

Capture of your ward

2

Incompetence

1

Disloyalty

10. Passing up an advantage

The safety of your ward is of utmost importance; failing to ensure that safety is the worst thing you could possibly do. Therefore, forgoing an advantage that could help ensure your ward's safety is unacceptable. Of course, the consequences of pursuing an advantage must also be considered. For example, it would be counterproductive to make an enemy who might present a threat in the future; this would actually be a disadvantage rather than an advantage.

9. Allowing your effectiveness to be impaired

The more effective you are, the more likely you will be able to protect your ward. Therefore, you cannot allow your effectiveness to be reduced in any way. You do not drive; you do not carry baggage; you do not help old ladies across the street; you do not give the time of day to passing strangers; you do not allow your weapon arm to be hindered; you do not allow your senses to be hampered; you do not step outside to allow your ward a private conversation with a potential adversary. Nor do you skip meals, take drugs, drink alcohol, overeat, or otherwise impair your performance.

8. Helplessness

You do not allow yourself to be rendered helpless, by injury, imprisonment, circumstance, or any other cause. You do whatever is necessary to prevent yourself from being incapacitated. You do not submit to arrest. You never surrender your weapons.

7. Permanent injury to yourself or your ward

Any permanent injury to either yourself or your ward reduces your ward's chances of survival, and is therefore unacceptable. Such injuries are to be avoided through any means necessary. If unavoidable, they must be cured as quickly as possible.

6. Negligence; failing to maintain discipline or professionalism or to perform duties

The least negligence or inattention, even concerning seemingly trivial matters, threatens your ward and is not to be tolerated. Discipline, attention to detail, flawless professional standards: These are your life.

A bodyguard should always be prepared and ready to work. You should have what you need to do the job. If it could have been planned for, it should have been.

5. Rape, torture

When you kill, do it cleanly; do not torment the victim. Such things would besmirch your honor. More importantly, they are distractions.

4. Death of your ward

Your ward's death would render your life meaningless (as well as ending it; if you somehow survived, you would die avenging him). You must not fail.

3. Capture of your ward

Allowing your ward to be captured is the ultimate disgrace, worse even than allowing him to be killed. Better to risk his death than his capture.

2. Incompetence

A bodyguard worthy of the name has the skills necessary to do his job. You train yourself rigorously on a daily basis. If you ever find yourself lacking, you do what it takes to overcome the lack.

1. Disloyalty

Loyalty is the cardinal virtue. Being disloyal in any way is unthinkable. Betraying your ward is inconceivable.

This path is a variation of Humanity; behaviors generally considered immoral under Humanity are usually considered immoral under Dark Justice, unless otherwise specified.

Where "poetic justice" is listed, these behaviors are permissible only in responding to a criminal's actions and cannot exceed the severity of the criminal's own acts. Murdering a thief isn't allowed under poetic justice, for example, but robbing one blind would be.

Level

Requirements

Killing justified?

10

Defend all life, protect the innocent, always turn the guilty in to proper authorities

Never

9

As above but you may take justice into your own hands if a criminal cannot be safely caught

Only to protect an innocent

8

You can't always trust the law: Take justice into your own hands as seems justified
Poetic Justice: Theft, fraud

Poetic Justice: Any injury short of death, threats to innocent relatives (but not carried out)

To protect animals

5

You can't trust the authorities at all: Avoid working with them when possible
Poetic Justice: Murder

To protect monsters, to prevent a criminal's escape

4

You now act preemptively: If you are certain a criminal will commit a worse crime, you may act as if it were already committed (so you may murder someone planning murder)
Poetic Justice: Other felonies aimed exclusively at criminal(s)

Hedonism: a school of ethics which argues that pleasure is the only intrinsic good; the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle. Those on the path of Hedonism would identify themselves as party-goers instead of fathers, or lovers instead of workers. Beings on this path of enlightenment are not frequently seen outside of a party or event, but in some very rare cases Hedonists are private or solitary. Being on this path of enlightenment indicates that the character in question is, at the very root of their being, more of a hedonist than a human.

The following table gives examples of acts that trigger Enlightenment checks for characters with Hedonism. For example, a character with a Hedonism of 7 would be required to make a Conviction check when going a day without serious recreation, holding a steady job, refusing help out of empathy, or depriving his/her self of basic personal needs.

A Holy Slayer serves God by killing monsters. Some monsters are human, but most are not, and those which are monstrous physically as well as morally have a higher priority. The Unholy have the highest priority of all: Undead, evil spirits, and especially Demons.

A Holy Slayer does recognize, however, that some monsters are not evil. Even monsters can repent. Such enlightened monsters should be spared. Evil monsters are termed Abominations.

In most cases, a Holy Slayer should avoid killing any but the guilty. However, it is sometimes necessary to kill those who do not deserve to die, such as soldiers on the opposing side in battle. Most importantly, Abominations cannot be allowed to spread. If an outbreak of Abominations cannot be stopped otherwise, then the area must be sterilized; otherwise, Abominations will overrun the Earth.

Killing the innocent is to be avoided. However, all sins are equal, and without repentance all are deserving of death.

Whatever is done must be done in a state of grace. Actions which are otherwise perfectly acceptable become unacceptable if taken for the wrong reasons or in the wrong frame of mind. After all, motive is more important than deed. For example, killing may be done for justice but never for revenge. “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

Fear, anger, hatred: These lead to the Dark Side.

9. Avoidable unpreparedness, incompetence, or incapacitation

The Boy Scouts have it right. Be Prepared.

A monster hunter should always be prepared and ready to work. You should have what you need to do the job. You should never incapacitate yourself, whether through drink, drugs, dissipate emotions, or overwork. You should train yourself rigorously and acquire the necessary skills to succeed.

No one is perfect; no one can be prepared for every contingency. If it could have been planned for, however, it should have been.

The commandment to “honor your father and your mother” goes hand in hand with the responsibility to pay your debts, support your family, and look after your employees. Noblesse oblige: With power comes responsibility. The lord of the manor must ensure the well-being of his people; an officer must look after his men, in combat and out. He must leave no man behind. He must also make sure his men receive health care and free tax advice.

7. Failing to protect an innocent, unjustly harming a reputation

Innocents should be protected, insofar as that can be done without compromising the mission. If it isn't possible to protect the innocent and also kill the monster, then killing the monster takes precedence. After all, you're a monster hunter, not a cop; it's better to do your own job adequately than someone else's well. This does not mean you can disregard collateral damage, however; you must minimize civilian casualties and keep civilians out of the line of fire whenever possible.

Do not bear false witness against your neighbor. Slander is a sin, as serious as any other. Nor is this limited to explicit slander; failing to correct a false impression or come forward with relevant information is to lie by omission. Similarly, you must testify when your testimony is needed; you may not refrain due to fear of retaliation or dislike of the defendant.

6. Sexual sin (adultery, fornication)

Do not commit adultery. Do not have sex outside the context of marriage.

The family is the foundation of civilization. In times of danger, a strong family can ensure the survival of its members. Sex within marriage strengthens the family, but sex outside marriage weakens it.

5. Theft, unnecessary property damage

Thou shalt not steal.

Avoiding property damage certainly isn't as important a concern as avoiding civilian casualties, but it's not trivial by any means. You must do what you can to avoid or at least minimize property damage without jeopardizing the mission.

4. Failing to destroy an Abomination

Abominations exist to be destroyed. Destroy them.

Generally, only evil monsters qualify as Abominations. Truly alien creatures – those so alien that peaceful coexistence is not possible – may as well be evil, and are considered such for all practical purposes. Creatures which seek to destroy or displace humanity are also considered Abominations. Finally, mutants and similar which seek to reproduce in large numbers and spread prolifically are also Abominations, even if not evil. (Responsible mutants don't reproduce.)

3. Unjustified killing (intentional or not)

The Sixth Commandment is generally translated as “Thou shalt not kill” or “Thou shalt not commit murder.” A more accurate translation would read, “Thou shalt not commit an unjustified killing.” A justified killing is not a sin. An unjustified killing is a sin even if unintentional. You must live with the consequences of your actions, and of your mistakes.

Killing enemy soldiers in battle is not a sin. This does not mean, however, that you are free to kill as long as the target is shooting back. You may not kill for convenience. All too often, perpetrators claim necessity when they didn't seriously look for other options. Life is sacred and may not be lightly squandered.

2. Torture, rape

The proverbial fate worse than death is surprisingly common. Many things are worse than killing. If you must kill, do it cleanly; do not torment the victim.

1. Blasphemy, denying God, worshiping other gods

You shall have no other gods before me.

Do not take the name of the Lord in vain.

Do not test the Lord your God.

There is only one God; all others are lesser beings, angels, demons, spirits, and the like. They are not worthy of worship. Moreover, by accepting God, you reject all other would-be deities. Do not attempt to play both ends against the middle.

By accepting God, you accept his teachings. Do not attempt to make God more palatable to those who dislike his precepts – or to yourself. Avoid legalism; seek the true meaning of God's Word, not the meaning you would give it.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to faith. If you believe, you believe; you realize nothing can ever be proven beyond all possible doubt, and you don't need such proof. You are secure in yourself.

Defining relationships on any basis other than a person's use to your research

8

Valuing a non-scientist's opinion

7

Allowing someone to discount your research or chosen field

6

Allowing emotions or subjective opinions to alter your research methods

5

Discounting a possibility without checking it

4

Failing to pursue an experiment

3

Relying on a thesis you have not personally verified

2

Considering anything to be truly 'complete'

1

Allowing data to be destroyed

The Mad Scientist Path of Morality focuses on a scientist's dedication to science, to the exclusion of all else. Nothing is as important as gathering data and furthering your mastery of your chosen field. A Mad Scientist will only have 'friends' who are scientists in similar fields, as they may (sometimes) be more useful as colleagues than as test subjects.

The worldview of the Mad Scientist is marked by unquestioning belief in the paramount importance of science, and disdain for non-scientists. Society should be organized around science, with the vast majority of people (humans, monsters, Great Old Ones, and everything else) relegated to test subjects (they're worthless dross anyway). All other considerations are meaningless, and all other persons are irrelevant save as they can benefit science - be it as a test subject, or as potential lab assistants (or both). There are no limits to what science can accomplish, given adequate time and resources. Science will save the world (or at least that portion worth saving, which means scientists). Engineers are inferior to scientists, mechanics are inferior to engineers, those lacking skills useful in scientific research are entirely lacking in value. The people should believe what you tell them to believe, and your peers (those contentious idiots) should too.

A Mad Scientist recognizes that there is no end to his studies. It is possible to be the leading expert in your field, but impossible to know everything about that field. Thus, in order to remain at the peak, you must constantly research new data and monitor colleagues' work for useful tidbits of data. All scientific fields are intertwined to some extent, so no venue should be ignored.

Such extreme focus on one field does engender arrogance. It is extremely dangerous to insult the field a Mad Scientist has chosen to study, as they will often try to prove that their field is above reproach. Such proofs will depend on the scientist's chosen field, and may be quite lethal. It is important to remember that while the Mad Scientist may profess to follow a code of ethics, this is a convenient fiction.

A Mad Scientist cares little for the opinions of others. Non-scientists have neither the dedication nor the education to have informed opinions. Even the opinions of other scientists are of questionable value; they are certainly more educated about how the world works, but unless they are in the same field, they simply do not see the world in the same way.

Information is vitally important. Data destruction is incomprehensible. Moreover, there is no such thing as ‘tainted’ data. All information is useful, regardless of the source. To completely discount information from any source, be it a questionable journal or one’s greatest enemy, is foolish, and may well lead to faulty conclusions. At the same time, reliability is important, so it is vital to verify any data received, even if it comes from a source you trust implicitly.

Mercy and compassion are not considerations for a Mad Scientist. In the pursuit of knowledge, there are few other considerations, even to the point that you won't hesitate to risk your own life when necessary. Nor is consent a factor in your experiments. After all, it's for the good of science …

10: Doing anything unrelated to your research

Anything and everything that is not directly associated with your research or your ability to conduct research is irrelevant. You only pursue enemies if they directly interfere with your work and you know where they are. You only eat when absolutely necessary, and you seldom bathe.

9: Defining relationships on any basis other than a person's use to your research

People are only important as far as they are useful to your research. Enemies are those who threaten your research time, 'friends' are those who assist your research from a contributory standpoint. Others are research subjects, and have little to offer beyond their minds and bodies – though some may have the potential to become scientists.

8: Valuing a non-scientist's opinion

What do they know? They aren't scientists. They haven't dedicated years of their lives to scientific understanding. Their opinions couldn't possibly be as well-informed as your own.

7: Allowing someone to discount your research or chosen field

Only a fool would find fault with science, especially the field you have deemed worthy of becoming your life's work. Insults against your field must be answered. Professional pride will accept no less.

Prejudging a conclusion is a fast track to false data. The scientist can be hopeful, but must never allow his hopes to color how he goes about collecting or testing data. Friendship, compassion, empathy: Such things could easily compromise your methodology, forcing you to begin again. Wasted time is intolerable.

5: Discounting a possibility without checking it

Information can come from the strangest places. Sometimes even the most unlikely possibility is the correct one, and all possibilities should be checked. If you already have a fully workable thesis, you can put other possibilities aside, but only long enough to test that thesis.

4: Failing to pursue an experiment

There are very few grounds on which a scientist can fail to follow through on a study. Typically, you can only justify putting the research off until you have the necessary equipment, and even then you can usually improvise basic tests. Any research subject will do. Anyone finding themselves in your care is likely to regret it.

3: Relying on a thesis you have not personally verified

The only way to verify a thesis is to test it. Even if proposed by a scientist who is reputable and known for accurate judgment, you must always confirm for yourself that their theses are reliable, especially if you plan to build on them.

2: Considering anything to be truly 'complete'

There is no such thing as perfection. Nothing is ever truly complete. Even should you live thousands of years, you could never hope to know everything. Thus, further testing is always needed.

1: Allowing data to be destroyed

Never destroy something that provides you with data. Never cut yourself off from information. A highly specialized lab, or a rare sample of a creature relevant to your studies are examples of proper sources of data. These must be protected to the best of your ability.

A rightful Ruler has a clear mandate to rule, both from Heaven and from the people, and always acts with the good of the nation firmly in mind. A true Ruler is motivated by love of God and country, not by personal gain.

Of course, acting for the national good need not mean harming the interests of other nations. The pie is not limited; taking a piece does not necessarily reduce the amount left for others. In international relations, cooperation can produce synergies that far exceed the products of individual labor. Furthermore, a Ruler must be far-sighted, acting with the long term in mind. It is often necessary to sacrifice short-term interests for long-term ones. And, of course, the day approaches when world government will become a reality, and the Earth will be one nation … though this does raise the question of who will rule it.

In the end, there can be only one.

Mandate to Rule

Action

10

Unjustly harming a reputation

9

Failing to neutralize a threat to the nation

8

Avoidable unpreparedness or incapacitation

7

Failing to keep your word and give loyalty for loyalty received

6

Perjury, undermining the justice system

5

Undermining marriage or society

4

Rape, torture

3

Corruption, disloyalty, or incompetence

2

Blasphemy, denying God, worshiping other gods

1

Treason

10. Unjustly harming a reputation

As a Leader, your reputation is your lifeblood. The same is true for others – individuals and nations alike. You do not bear false witness; you do not slander. Nor is this limited to explicit slander; failing to correct a false impression or come forward with relevant information is as bad as sabotaging a reputation yourself.

9. Failing to neutralize a threat to the nation

Defending the nation is the most fundamental purpose of government. However, it is not enough to overcome dangers as they present themselves. Threats must be systemically eliminated, lest they grow greater over time. When the opportunity to neutralize a threat arises, it should be taken; and if no opportunity arises, one should be created. Of course, threats must be prioritized, with the most serious or most urgent addressed first.

8. Avoidable unpreparedness or incapacitation

The Boy Scouts have it right. Be Prepared.

A Leader should always be prepared and ready to work. You should have on hand what you need to do the job. You must never incapacitate yourself, whether through drink, drugs, dissipate emotions, or overwork. You must train yourself rigorously and acquire the necessary skills to succeed.

No one is perfect; no one can be prepared for every contingency. If it could have been planned for, however, it should have been.

7. Failing to keep your word and give loyalty for loyalty received

Responsibility flows two ways. Your followers owe you loyalty, and you owe them loyalty in return.

Noblesse oblige: With power comes responsibility. The lord of the manor must ensure the well-being of his people; an officer must look after his men, in combat and out. He must leave no man behind.

A Leader is responsible. Always.

6. Perjury, undermining the justice system

Perjury is one of the most serious crimes – easily as serious as murder or torture – because of its pernicious effects on the justice system. Even today, witness testimony is the cornerstone of the law. If witnesses believe they can lie to the court with impunity, the entire justice system unravels.

And the justice system is one of the most critical elements of a civilized society, second only to national defense and law enforcement. If criminals are not given swift and decisive justice after being arrested, then arrest becomes pointless and crime becomes rampant. Civilization cannot survive without order.

5. Undermining marriage or society

Do not commit adultery. Do not have sex outside the context of marriage.

The family is the foundation of civilization. In times of danger, a strong family can ensure the survival of its members. Sex within marriage strengthens the family, but sex outside marriage weakens it.

Sex defines society; it can strengthen or destroy it. The appearance of the first humans 2 million years ago was marked not by larger brain size (which came later) but by permanent mating, which resulted in stable societies with strong social bonds. The loss of permanent mating would inevitably lead to the loss of societal stability, and with it, the loss of civilization.

Civilization is built on a stable society. Nothing can be allowed to undermine it, for a collapse of civilization would threaten the very survival of the human race.

4. Rape, torture

The proverbial fate worse than death is surprisingly common. Many things are worse than killing. When you must kill, do it cleanly; do not torment the victim.

There is a reason rape is so often used as an instrument of warfare and oppression. It humiliates the victims, damages familial bonds, and weakens the enemy's culture or class. Its harm lasts far beyond the conflict which engendered it.

3. Corruption, disloyalty, or incompetence

Effective government does not require exceptional civil service, or brilliant leadership. It does not require genius. It does not require the above-average. It requires only competence; the ability to get the job done, if not particularly efficiently, not too inefficiently, either. Slow, plodding progress is sufficient to guarantee a successful bureaucracy; and a successful bureaucracy is the one element that no government can do without.

Of course, success also requires the desire to succeed. Before a problem can be solved, both civil servants and leaders must genuinely want to solve it; they must be honest and loyal. Again, no great dedication is required, simply a desire to make progress. Government thrives on mediocrity.

There are always those who wish to subvert government programs, to ensure they fail and do not threaten the status quo. Corruption – particularly low-level corruption – is without question the gravest threat to a government's ability to serve its people. Outright treason is rare, but even mostly honest civil servants can succumb to the temptation to accept a bribe and sabotage, or just fail to promote, the smooth functioning of a particular program. Often, such an action seems relatively harmless, particularly compared to the rewards. But when corruption becomes common, the people lose faith in their government and begin to work around it, or even against it. This becomes a vicious circle which is almost impossible to break. Low-level corruption, building up slowly over a long period of time, can neutralize the government and poison society more effectively than almost anything else.

The solution is simple. Corruption cannot be tolerated, in any degree, for any reason. Even a single incidence of corruption must be stamped out harshly and without delay. Even the appearance of corruption is unacceptable, because it undermines the people's confidence in government just as much as the real thing. The appearance of impropriety is as bad as impropriety itself.

2. Blasphemy, denying God, worshiping other gods

You shall have no other gods before me. Do not take the name of the Lord in vain. Do not test the Lord your God.

There is only one God; all others are lesser beings, angels, demons, spirits, and the like. They are not worthy of worship. Moreover, by accepting God, you reject all other would-be deities. Do not attempt to play both ends against the middle. Avoid legalism; seek the true meaning of God's Word, not the meaning you would give it.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to faith. If you believe, you believe; you realize nothing can ever be proven beyond all possible doubt, and you don't need such proof. You are secure in yourself.

1. Treason

Nothing can be worse than betraying your country. If your country is on the wrong track, then you should work to change it. If the government is corrupt, you should overthrow it. You should never, under any circumstances, betray your country; nothing can ever justify that.

Ninjas always win. If you back off a deal, drop a contract, or otherwise pussy out, you're not ninja material. To be a ninja, you have to be able to set aside little things like morality and conscience to become truly great. Or at least, mostly great.

Anyway, ninjas get the job done. End of story.

Ninja-Guy

Action

10

Allowing any of below actions to occur

9

Endangering the job for mercy to teammates (We don't have time for bandages)

8

Endangering the job for mercy to outsiders (Umm…Why am I giving this kid my water?)

7

Getting captured (Major Suckage)

6

Betraying information to the enemy (Like anybody'd do that)

5

Failure to kill an enemy in a timely fashion (Research allowed, excuses not)

4

Failing to complete a mission (Ninjas always win)

3

Refuse a job because of moral dilemma (Exception is Prey Exclusion)

2

Refusing to kill a target after accepting the mission (No take backs)

1

Killing for fun (Freaking icky)

In the void is purpose, and non-existence of good and evil.
Myomoto Musashi,
The Void,
The Book of Five Rings

Ninja Philosophy Mash-Up

The Way of Stalking Alone

While the Ninja-Guy Morality Code is based on accomplishing the mission, the outlook it is derived from is based on the works of (who else) Myomoto Musashi, legendary samurai.

It mainly concerns itself with training and self-denial. The following is the Ninja-Guy take on the work "The Way of Walking Alone."

Re-Heated Precepts:

Accept everything just the way it is.

It's a big ugly world out there, and a ninja's gotta understand that he's not here to save it from itself. Know that good things happen, bad things happen, and when all else fails, ninjas happen. Long story short, you need to be able to look at the world and see what's really there instead of what you want to be there.

Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

It's easy to get lost in the world of Super Nacho flavored potato chips and instant porn but those that do, never come back. Even a momentary lapse of self control can expose you to your enemies. Just ask Molly Hatchet's victims.

It's important to point out that you shouldn't avoid pleasurable experiences as long as they're instructive or beneficial, and you're going mostly for the benefit, such as learning history and fighting techniques from anime.

Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.

Star Wars was close to right. You have to trust your gut, but only when it's screaming at the top of it's lungs. Also, don't waffle. Make a decision and see the frickin' thing through.

Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

Okay, so ninjas are the baddest of the bad, but not because they hide under their beds and hope for the best. Ninjas put themselves on the line all the time. They have to not just think of themselves lightly but completely forget about themselves to accomplish the mission.

Be detached from desire your whole life long.

Serious impulse control. Control so good you don't even have the grabby impulses to begin with.

Do not regret what you have done.

This is an important one; "Get over it." You have to do what you have to do, and when done, you have two options. Either you chalk it up as a mistake and learn from it or you file it as a success and learn from it. One way or the other everything that you do is a success of a kind.

That said, the less you screw up, the better.

Never be jealous.

You are a ninja. You are the baddest of the baddest of the baddest. What could you possibly be jealous of? Sure, rich guys have cool stuff, hot women, and loads of money, but you drop a rich guy onto a desert island with some crazy monster and see what he can do. I guarantee you he won't miraculously learn killer archery and return to the world as a poor man's Bruce Wayne.

Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

You are and will ever be alone, even with friends. You have to be, or you get into that whole crap about being there just for company, which is the whole pleasure-for-it's-own-sake junk that tops the list.

You are alone. Suck it up, tough guy.

Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.

Quit bitching. Simple, right?

Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

There are a lot of hotties out there and a ninja's got to be careful about getting caught in there web-o'sexiness. Be vigilant. A weak moment here could get you killed, STD'd, or baby-daddy'd on Springer. None of these are ninja worthy outcomes.

In all things have no preferences.

This is about everything and nothing (deep right?). Mostly weapons and tactics. You can't get too reliant on using the same thing over and over again or somebody is going to spot a way to use it against you. You've got to use a lot of techniques, weapons, aliases, and fast food joints so that enemies don't find a pattern.

Be indifferent to where you live.

So already here. Though this doesn't just mean, move around a lot, it also means don't be afraid to rough it in the woods. That said, probably won't being seeing Baltimore again soon.

Do not pursue the taste of good food.

Again, this is about being utilitarian. You don't have to seek out the worst tasting food on the planet, but food is food. If you have to eat Fear Factor chow to not starve, do so. Don't ever get in the habit of fine dining. The waiters are probably trying to kill you.

Do not act following customary beliefs.

Most idiots choose their religion and beliefs by what's popular. It's like fashion for the soul. Ninjas choose the beliefs that get the freaking job done. Just because everybody jumps off a cliff, doesn't mean ninjas should. Ninjas should be occupied looking like everyone else while pushing their target off the cliff.

Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.

You left your crib and teddy bear behind a long time ago, this is no different. Note that need is the key word here. Don't ever be afraid to ditch equipment, possessions, or people that are unnecessary.

Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.

If a weapon doesn't have a use it's not a weapon, it's a trinket. Carry what you can use and use what you carry.

Do not fear death.

This one is kind of redundant when you look at the rest of the list, but I guess we should chat about it. Ninja's stalk alone. In a lot of senses, the stuff we deny ourselves to become what we are is what most people consider life to be made of. In some senses, we're already dead. So this means more than just, "Don't get scared of being killed or dying" it also means that super-badass ninjas walk the path of self-denial. We are the dead.

Cool, huh?

Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.

Couple things here. First, you're a ninja. Keep your freaking eyes on your target and your free time on your training. Don't get lost in fantasies about living to get old and wrinkled. You're not gonna make it.

Second, land and comfort and wealth is for people that are fat and stupid. You're a ninja. You're after immortality in legend and having a killer rep, not tending a garden in some freaking old fart's home.

Yeesh.

Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.

Okay. I honestly don't care about the Buddha or gods, but this is about being polite. If a giant world-killing monstrosity comes calling, it's perfectly appropriate to use "sir" and "ma'am" in a sentence. By the same token, don't expect some divine force to save your ninja-booty when things go bad.

Ninja-booty saves itself.

Never stray from the Way.

You are a ninja, this is your code. Well, this is a samurai code that been converted to ninja purposes, but since we're thieves as well as assassins, it's pretty appropriate that we stole our honor code instead of building it from scrap. We're just that good.

Characters on the path of Ruthless are driven, ambitious, and unstoppable. Everything and everyone that gets in their way is an obstacle to be circumvented, navigated, or destroyed as appropriate. Many characters or beings that act in line with this path of enlightenment are not actually on such, and instead have low Humanity scores. This indicates that said being is more of a broken shell of a man than an enlightened, zen killing machine. (Tony Montana from Scarface, for example, would have been on the path of Humanity, not Ruthless)

When on the path of Ruthless, at all times, you must have a short term and long term goal written down. A short term goal is usually mission/game oriented like "Surviving a stay on the island" or "Killing the main target monster." A long term goal is lofty and difficult to accomplish, but not impossible. Good examples of long term goals would be "Destroying PISCES" or "Colonizing the Moon." Usually, you will also have an immediate goal ("Climb this mountain," "Kill this monster"). Immediate goals should be kept clearly in mind, but don't need to be written down.

The following table gives examples of acts that trigger Enlightenment checks for characters with Ruthless. For example, a character with a Ruthless rating of 7 would be required to make a Conviction check if they allow living obstacles to get in their way, get distracted from their goals, take a vacation, or change a long-term goal on the fly.

Ruthless

Action

1

Changing or failing a long-term goal

2

Taking a vacation

3

Taking orders from some mamsy pamsy wuss who can't get the job done

4

Favoring shorter-term goals over longer-term goals.

5

Getting significantly distracted from your stated goals (e.g. Starting a campaign against cancer while having an unrelated long term goal)

6

Changing or failing a short-term goal

7

Allowing an entity that you could kill to get in your way

8

Taking an indirect approach because of possible personal harm

9

Failing an immediate goal

10

Participating in an activity that doesn't immediately bring you closer to completing your goals

Scoundrel is a variant of the Humanity Morality Path. It is based on a few basic principles. First, don't instigate violence. If you're looking for a Path that lets you murder children and eat the hearts of virgins, look elsewhere. Second, don't stop people from exercising their free will, especially when it helps you.

Scoundrels can't be bothered to follow the petty laws about property and ownership. They respect their marks too much (sort of). See, who is a scoundrel to stop you from handing over your life savings? Sure, you may have been told it's going into a trust fund for your kids, or that it's off to help starving children in Africa, or even that it's helping build a temple to the Lord so everyone can get to Heaven. But that doesn't mean said scoundrel is a thief, just a liar. He wouldn't dare dream of taking away your God-given right to make decisions, especially the bad ones…

Scoundrel appeals to a wide variety of rapscallions such as conmen, televangelists, politicians, gamblers, and hustlers.

Scoundrel

Action

10

Getting scammed (you should know better)

9

Consequences (even the best scoundrel trips up; just be sure that you're out the door and never caught)

8

Moral objections (never turn down a mark you could scam for “moral” reasons)

7

Take a hit (never accept the most dangerous task)

6

Trickster's code (never interrupt another scoundrel's scam as long as it doesn't impede you)

5

Better part of valor (never fight when you can get what you want another way)

Taoism is a complex school of thought that is difficult to express in words. Understanding of the Tao cannot be explained; it must be felt and experienced. Many Taoists who seek to instruct do so through example, and through careful questioning, designed to bring their students to come to a realization on their own. Taoists tend to be strongly contemplative, looking for hidden meanings in all things, constantly seeking to learn more of the natural flow of the Tao.

The above style of teaching also follows a major principle of Taoism – that of Wu Wei, action through inaction, or doing things without actually doing anything. A Taoist will try to apply the minimal amount of effort necessary to accomplish a goal, as seen with the style of instruction above. The Taoist could give precise and clear instructions about how to understand the Tao, but that is not of the Tao. Telling the student just enough for him to draw his own conclusions, however, is of the Tao.

Because of the principle of Wu Wei, a Taoist is incredibly patient. Acting just enough to create a situation for the problem to solve itself often results in the problem taking time to resolve itself – often taking far longer than others are willing to accept. But where others will seek faster options, a Taoist will typically stay his course, waiting until an ideal opportunity presents itself.

Another major principle of Taoism is that of yin yang. Simply expressed, this is the concept of dependent balance. There cannot be light without dark, life without death, what goes up must come down. There is balance in all things – there must be balance in all things, because the Tao is everything that is. It is comprised of all things, equal and opposite.

A Taoist judges all beings by whether they are acting in harmony with the Tao. There are few other considerations; even a past history or an obviously inhuman appearance will make no difference to the Taoist. If the being is acting in accordance with the Tao, they are existing harmoniously. If they are not acting with the Tao, or are actively acting against it, then an appropriate correction of some sort must be rendered.

In the unlikely instance that a Taoist becomes a leader of men, he will always rule with a light hand. A Taoist does not seek to control others, but to guide them. The ideal for a Taoist 'state' would be to have influenced and instructed the people such that the governing hand of the ruler is unnecessary, and the people essentially self-govern.

Taoists usually take the long term view in regard to achieving their goals. Their aim when solving a problem is to not only solve the immediate problem, but to ensure that it continues to solve itself in the future, such that it never becomes an issue again.

Of the Virtues of Taoism, one of the most important is harmony with the universe. To exist with the world, rather than in spite of it, is one of the ultimate goals of a Taoist. This desire engenders great respect for elders, and for spirits especially. Elders are considered to typically understand more of the Tao, and therefore are closer to being in true harmony with it. Taoist spirits are typified as the final state of a true Taoist, living eternally in harmony with the universe, able only to act with great precision and care, and possessed of great wisdom to instruct those that follow them on the path.

Moderation, too is a desirable virtue in a Taoist. To go beyond what is necessary is not a harmonious act, as you are pushing beyond the bounds of what the universe requires of you. A perfect example of this would be in sharpening a knife - hone it to a razor's edge edge, and you are done. If you try to improve on what is already sufficient, you will blunt the blade, and possibly even do more harm than good.

This tendency towards moderation leads toward another Taoist value: humility. A Taoist does not care what he can do, beyond being able to do what he must do. Pride clouds one's perspective of one's own abilities, giving a person unrealistic views of himself. Being willing to acknowledge ones flaws and accept the truth for what it is is of the Tao. Denial is not.

Humility, in turn, fuels compassion. A Taoist is always compassionate, because a Taoist harbors no sense of superiority. He is equal to all living things in all ways; even age and mastery of the Tao do not elevate one being higher than another. This absolute equality means that there is no reason not to be concerned for the well-being of another.

Taoism

Action

10

Seeking to change the world

9

Refusing to acknowledge one's faults

8

Impatience

7

Failure to respect one's elders

6

Overachieving

5

Intolerance

4

Arrogance

3

Greed

2

Inflexibility

1

Controlling

10. Seeking to change the world

"Do you want to improve the world? I don't think it can be done. The world is sacred. It can't be improved. If you tamper with it, you'll ruin it. If you treat it like an object, you'll lose it."

Acting to change the world, to move it from its current course, is to act against the natural flow and harmony of the universe. What will happen, must happen. Any attempts to turn the world from its natural course will only make things worse in the end.

9. Refusing to acknowledge one's faults

"A great nation is like a great man: When he makes a mistake, he realizes it. Having realized it, he admits it. Having admitted it, he corrects it. He considers those who point out his faults as his most benevolent teachers."

Wisdom can come from anywhere; one must always be willing to pay heed to the words of others in the journey to understand the Tao. Even a child can lend a new viewpoint that his elders have not considered.

8. Impatience

"Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?"

With time, all things come to pass. If nothing presents itself for your current task, wait for a time; seek out other possibilities. An option will present itself.

7. Failure to respect one's elders

"The ancient Masters were profound and subtle. Their wisdom was unfathomable."

Your elders have lived longer than you, and have had more time to learn the ways of the world. Even if you disagree with them, they are to be accorded respect for this knowledge.

6. Overachieving

"Fill your bowl to the brim, and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife, and it will blunt. Chase after money and insecurity, and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval, and you will be their prisoner."

Do what must be done, and no more. Acting above and beyond what is necessary can be just as damaging as refusing to do what must be done. Precision is desirable.

5. Intolerance

"The Tao doesn't take sides; it gives birth to both good and evil. The Master doesn't take sides; he welcomes both saints and sinners."

Do not judge a person on their actions of the past; judge them on their actions of the present. A Saint can sin, and a Sinner may yet become a Saint.

4. Arrogance

"The Master views the parts with compassion, because he understands the whole. His constant practice is humility. He doesn't glitter like a jewel but lets himself be shaped by the Tao, as rugged and common as stone."

The Taoist is not unique, he is not glorious. The Taoist is but a man who does what he can and must, just as all should.

3. Greed

"If you overvalue posessions, people begin to steal."

Materialism is not of the Tao. Use what you need, and no more. What you have that is left over, give it to those in need, but only so much as they need.

2. Inflexibility

"Men are born soft and supple; dead, they are stiff and hard. Plants are born tender and pliant; dead, they are brittle and dry. Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life."

Change is a part of life. Refusal to change and learn is a refusal to live and grow.

1. Controlling

"Can you love people and lead them without imposing your will? Can you deal with the most vital matters by letting events take their course? Can you step back from your own mind and thus understand all things?"

To seek to control others is not of the Tao. The world weaves as it will. You must know when to lend your advice, and when to simply watch events unfold.

Rejecting Master-Slave Morality and embracing "The Path of The Ubermenchen"

A favorite motto of Nietzsche, taken from Pindar, reads: "Become what you are."

Master-morality is the original system of morality in which value arises as a contrast between good and evil, or between 'life-affirming' and 'life-denying': wealth, strength, health, and power are the sort of traits counted as good; while evil is associated with the poor, weak, sick, and pathetic, the sort of traits conventionally associated with slaves.

Slave-morality, in contrast, comes about as a reaction to master-morality. Here, value emerges from the contrast between good and evil: good being associated with other-worldliness, charity, piety, restraint, meekness, and submission; evil seen as worldly, cruel, selfish, wealthy, and aggressive. Nietzsche sees slave-morality born out of the slave's own sense of inferiority before the (better-off) masters. It does so by making out slave weakness to be a matter of choice, by, e.g., relabeling it as "meekness."

The establishment of moral systems based on a dichotomy of good and evil are a calamitous error and the individual should strive to bring about a new, more naturalistic source of value in the vital impulses of life itself.

Nietzsche calls for exceptional people to no longer be ashamed of their uniqueness in the face of a supposed morality-for-all, which he deemed to be harmful to the flourishing of exceptional people. However, Nietzsche cautions that morality, per se, is not bad; it is good for the masses, and should be left to them. Exceptional people, on the other hand, should follow their own "inner law."

Thou shalt reproduce wisely bearing the next generation of Ubermenchen.

1

Thou shalt not squander thy existence.

Explanation:

10: Allowing any of the below actions to occur. Abandoning the Path of the Ubermenschen to lead a mundane life of 'Normalcy.' (Conceding to the ultimate failure of one's true existence and settling for less – total capitulation to Slave Morality.)

9: Appearing to make excuses. Or accepting any personal failures short of catastrophic 'Acts of God' beyond anyone's control that could not be potently successful through diligent pursuit or by going 'back to the drawing board' for a new approach. Nothing comes easy, some things take time…

8: Accepting excuses from others, or defending their actions and failings because of emotional ties, friendships, and the like. Occasional failure is a fact of life, but when it becomes the norm … "The definition of insanity is repeating the same actions but expecting different results every time."

7: Lying, or allowing yourself to be only partially accurate or partially successful; being sloppy. Strive for perfection! Less than complete success is not acceptable.

6: Lying to yourself; accepting adulterated knowledge. (Study Sorcery – high magic – rather than Mythos Magic – low magic; be conservative rather than liberal; develop personal power rather than 'siphoning power' off a greater being.)

5: Failing to focus on the here-and-now. Life is to be lived in the context of what can be achieved in the reality of the present rather than occupying one's self with flights of fancy offered by an uncertain future. (Let's concern ourselves with what we can do now and surviving to the next Game rather than daydreaming about what we could do 20 Games from now and losing oneself in delusions of grandeur.) "Why worry about the wolves ranging outside the fence when you are ignoring the ones at your door!"

4: Obeying laws that don't make sense or officials who aren't serving a meaningful purpose. Being in servitude to persons or ideas that are beneath you - embracing 'Slave Morality.' These are things you will be forced to work 'around' rather than for.

3: Losing your temper, being emotional, or acting based on faith or tradition rather than logic. Never let the Heart rule the Mind.

2: Failing to arrange suitable consort or consorts and produce children of good blood. The program must continue to the next Generation!

1: Risking your life for an unworthy cause or for insufficiently important individuals. It would be insane to sacrifice assets for the sake of saving a liability! (If that guy wants to run off on his own and later you find him unconscious … he stays where he fell!)

Inverse Morality

Some Powers have a Difficulty of the Inverse Morality. Inverse Morality is equal to 11 - Morality. Thus: